Philharmonic Performance Will Open the 28th National Space Symposium

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 5, 2011) — The Space Foundation’s 28th National Space Symposium will open with a rousing salute to both astrology and astronomy when the Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs Mars, the Bringer of War, from The Planets Op. 32 by Gustav Holst during the opening ceremony on April 16, 2012.

With more than 9,000 expected participants, the 28th National Space Symposium is the premier annual gathering of the global space community. Scheduled for April 16-19 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Symposium brings together all sectors of the space industry to highlight accomplishments and address opportunities and issues facing the global space community today.

This is the second time in the past four years that the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has performed for the opening ceremony.

28th National Space Symposium details, including the initial agenda, how to save up to $500 with the Super Early Bird rate, how to exhibit and how to register securely online can be found at www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org.

Mars, the Bringer of War, which will be performed under the direction of Associate Conductor Thomas Wilson, is a vibrant depiction of the god of war and his minions. John Williams borrowed extensively from this work for the Star Wars franchise.

“This is powerful music performed by one of the finest professional symphonies in the country,” said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham. “We’re so pleased to have the Colorado Springs Philharmonic back again to welcome our guests and kick off our Symposium.”

The opening ceremony kicks off the 28th National Space Symposium and includes presentation of prestigious awards for technology in education, public outreach, space achievement and space exploration. See more about awards at www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org.
 
The Symposium is not open to the general public, but the Philharmonic will perform a public concert as part of its Vanguard Series, entitled The Planets. The orchestra will perform The Planets in its entirety, and the concert is sponsored in part by the Space Foundation.

28th National Space Symposium Co-Sponsors
Confirmed co-sponsors include: Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI); ATK; Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.; Blue Ridge Networks; Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB); Moog; Northrop Grumman; Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne; Raytheon; SES Government Solutions. Aviation Week and Space News are the official media partners. Sponsorship information can be found at: www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org.

About the Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is a global, nonprofit organization and the foremost advocate for all sectors of the space industry – civil, commercial, military and intelligence. Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs that bring space into the classroom and major industry events, including the National Space Symposium, all in support of its mission “to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity.” An expert in all aspects of the global space industry, the Space Foundation publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity and provides three indices that track daily performance of the space industry. Through its Space Certification and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, the Space Foundation recognizes space-based technologies and innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office and a field office in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and read about the latest space news and Space Foundation activities in Space Watch.